Overview
- The NAACP held its 71st Fight for Freedom Fund Dinner at Detroit’s Huntington Place, drawing thousands and featuring U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries as keynote.
- Civil-rights icon Ruby Bridges and New York Attorney General Letitia James spoke to courage in the face of hate.
- Speakers pressed for equality and the defense of rights, with Michigan Lt. Gov. Garlin Gilchrist calling for unity in the fights ahead.
- Michigan leaders including Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, Sen. Elissa Slotkin and Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield addressed the crowd.
- Organizers said security was sufficient after questions tied to a shooting at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner, and the event honored Rev. Dr. Jesse Jackson Sr. while recognizing youth leader Jayden Miller for his essay on inclusion.